4 States of Consciousness

Question 1

Consciousness

Answer 1

Our awareness of various cognitive processes, such as sleeping, dreaming, concentrating, and making decisions

Question 2

Waking consciousness

Answer 2

Mental state that encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that occur when we are awake and reasonably alert

Question 3

Altered state of consciousness

Answer 3

Mental state that differs noticeably from normal waking consciousness

Question 4

Daydreams

Answer 4

Apparently effortless shits in attention away from the here-and-now into a private world of make-believe

Question 5

Circadian rhythm

Answer 5

A regular biological rhythm with approximately a 24 hour period

Question 6

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Answer 6

A cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus that receives input from the retina regarding light and dark cycles and is involved in regulating the biological clock

Question 7

REM (paradoxical) sleep

Answer 7

Sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movements and increased dreaming

Question 8

Non-REM (NREM) sleep

Answer 8

Non-rapid eye movement stages of sleep that alternate with REM stages during the sleep cycle

Question 9

Night terrors

Answer 9

Frightening, often terrifying dreams that occur during NREM sleep from which a person is difficult to awaken and doesn’t remember the content

Question 10

Nightmares

Answer 10

Frightening dreams that occur during REM sleep and are remembered

Question 11

Insomnia

Answer 11

Sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep or remaining asleep throughout the night

Question 12

Apnea

Answer 12

Sleep disorder characterized by breathing difficulty during the night and feelings of exhaustion during the day.

Question 13

Narcolepsy

Answer 13

Hereditary sleep disorder characterized by sudden nodding off during the day and sudden loss of muscle tone following moments of emotional excitement

Question 14

Dreams

Answer 14

Vivid visual and auditory experiences that occur primarily during REM periods of sleep

Question 15

Psychoactive drugs

Answer 15

Chemical substances that change moods and perceptions

Question 16

Substance abuse

Answer 16

A pattern of drug use that diminishes the ability to fulfill responsibilities at home or at work or school, that results in repeated us of a drug in dangerous situations, or that leads to legal difficulties related to drug use

Question 17

Substance dependence

Answer 17

A pattern of compulsive drug taking that results in tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or other specific symptoms for at least a year

Question 18

Tolerance

Answer 18

Phenomenon whereby higher doses of a drug are required to produce its original affects or to prevent withdrawal symptoms

Question 19

Withdrawal symptoms

Answer 19

Unpleasant physical or psychological effects that follow the discontinuance of a dependence producing substance

Question 20

Depressants

Answer 20

Chemicals that slow down behavior or cognitive processes

Question 21

Alcohol

Answer 21

Depressant that is the intoxicating ingredient in whiskey, bear, wine, and other fermented or distilled liquors

Question 22

Barbituates

Answer 22

Potentially deadly depressants, first used for their sedative and anticonvulsant properties, now used only to treat such conditions as epilepsy and arthritis

Question 23

Opiates

Answer 23

Drugs, such as opium and heroin, derived from the opium poppy, that dull the senses and induce feelings of euphoria, well-being, and relaxation. Synthetic drugs resembling opium derivatives are also classified as opiates

Question 24

Stimulants

Answer 24

Drugs, including amphetamines and cocaine, that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and produce feelings of optimism and boundless energy

Question 25

Amphetamines

Answer 25

Stimulant drugs that initially produce “rushes” of euphoria often followed by sudden “crashes” and sometimes severe depression

Question 26

Cocaine

Answer 26

Drug derived from coca plant that, while producing a sense of euphoria by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, also leads to anxiety, depression, and addictive cravings

Question 27

Hallucinogens

Answer 27

Any of a number of drugs: LSD, mescaline, that distort visual and auditory perceptions

Question 28

Marijuana

Answer 28

mild hallucinogen that produces a high often characterized by feelings of euphoria, a sense of well-being, and swings in mood from gaiety to relaxation; may also cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia

Question 29

Placebo

Answer 29

chemically inactive substance used for comparison with active drugs in experiments on the effects of drugs

Question 30

Meditation

Answer 30

any of the various methods of concentration, reflection, or focusing of thoughts undertaken to suppress the activity of the sympathetic nervous system

Question 31

Hypnosis

Answer 31

trance-like state in which a person responds readily to suggestion

Question 32

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Answer 32

Hallucinogenic or “psychedelic” drug that produces hallucinations and delusions similar to those occurring in a psychotic state